Ross Bagdasarian(1919–1972)

Composer, prolific songwriter ("Come On-a My House", "Witch Doctor", "Chipmunk Song"), author, actor, producer, impressionist, educated at Coll. Writer, and has made many records. He joined ASCAP in 1951, and specialized in catchy, hummable melodies. Some of his other popular-song compositions include "Armen's Theme"; "Safari"; "Freddy, Freddy"; "... See full bio »

Alternate Names:

Did You Know?

Personal Quote:

On how his breakthrough hit, "Witch Doctor," came to be recorded, 1958: "When the tape was moving at half-speed, I said 'ting tang' and then I remembered an uncle who had moved to the state of Washington and I sputtered 'walla walla' topped off with a resounding 'bing bang.'" See more
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Trivia:

Named the Chipmunks after executives at Liberty Records, who released Seville's and the Chipmunks' albums. Alvin was named for company president Alvin Bennett, Simon for company vice-president/record producer Si Waronker, and Theodore for recording engineer Ted Keep. See more
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